surprise from Japan

Frank Fusco

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Mountain Home, Arkansas
I had forgotten about it, but a while back, Stu asked for my mailing address.
Surprise, yesterday, this package came to the house from Japan.
Inside, and very well packed, were these nine pen blanks. Five are Red Keyaki, some labeled "Shrine wood" and four Blue Keyaki. Us turners, pen guys especially, love unusual woods.
I do thank you, Stu. :wave: These will be used and enjoyed. Just let me know what you would like to have that is available in the U.S. but not Japan. If I can, I'll send you some. Doesn't have to be pen blanks.
Thinking back, I have been fortunate to be involved in some very nice overseas trades. Have sent and received woods from various parts of Europe, Australia, our distant State of Hawaii, South America and places forgotten.
 

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You are very welcome Frank!

I know you do a lot for people around you, so I'm just paying you back a bit :D

The Shrinewood blanks, which are Red Keyaki or Zelkova, a kind of Elm, are from the grounds of the local Shinto Shrine in my area, just a little bit of interesting information to add to the mix when you make that special pen for someone. Most of the trees I got wood from are quite old and the priest at the shrine figures the predate WWII, so that is surely some interesting wood.

You can see a little photographic tour I did of the shrine >> HERE <<
 
Congrats Frank. That wood makes some very nice pens. Stu is very generous. Stu I still have the pen I made from the Red Keyaki wood you sent me 3 yrs ago. Still carry it everyday. My son still carries his that I made him out of the Blue Keyaki. Thanks again.
 
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Most of the trees I got wood from are quite old and the priest at the shrine figures the predate WWII, so that is surely some interesting wood.

You can see a little photographic tour I did of the shrine >> HERE <<

Wow Stu, whenever I picture trees in Japan, I almost always think of the Bonsai... I guess they're not all tiny sitting in a flower pot... :rofl:
Some really great shots you have there.
 
Wow Stu, whenever I picture trees in Japan, I almost always think of the Bonsai... I guess they're not all tiny sitting in a flower pot... :rofl:
Some really great shots you have there.

Actually Chuck, in Tokyo, there are very few large, old trees, most of Tokyo either burned during the fire bombings, was bombed during regular bombings, or the residents hacked down what few trees were left for wood.

Makes you think :)
 
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